Police have confirmed that a pipe bomb found in West Belfast on Wednesday was viable.

Part of Slieveban Avenue in Andersonstown was sealed off after the device was found at around 11.30am.

On Wednesday evening police said that the device was real - and that it had the potential to kill.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Gardiner said: “Police would like to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to keep them safe.

The pipe bomb found in the middle of the road (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Photopress)

"The device we have recovered here today had the potential to kill or maim and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area recently or anyone with any information that could help our investigation to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 438 07/11/18.

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